Journey to a place where the sites are endless. Staunton extends many exciting activities for families, couples, and even the single person. Pick among our museums, art galleries, and outdoor interests to fill your day. Your trip wouldn’t be complete without seeing some of the wonderful attractions we have to offer. We also offer tours to help you find your way.

Experience a wide array of dishes while dining in Staunton. Choose from traditional fare to more exotic meals all within walking distance. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or crave something a bit more contemporary, your culinary palate will sure to be appeased.

Sleeping never got more comfortable. With numerous charming bed and breakfasts and gracious hotels, your stay in Staunton is sure to be delightful. Select from our many award-winning properties for an amazing night’s rest and a nice, hot breakfast in the morning.

Visitors to Staunton will find an impressive array of attractions – whether you want to stroll through the city’s beautiful downtown, delve into history at historic sites and museums, take in award-winning theater and music, or simply set out for outdoor adventure in the Shenandoah Valley and nearby mountains.

The colors are here! Staunton is bursting with vivid yellows and oranges this week. To top it off, the weather is on the warmer side, so get out and enjoy nature’s finest display. Visit Gypsy Hill Park, Montgomery Hall Park, Woodrow Park, Betsy Bell and Mary Gray Wilderness Area, and Thornrose Cemetery for some of the … Continue reading Staunton’s Fall Foliage Report: Weekend of November 2-4

Gypsy Hill Park

Beyond Staunton

The colors continue to march on outside city limits. Leaf peepers can expect to see yellows and reds from maples. Look also for red displays from sumac and, surprisingly, poison ivy vines, which add festive garlands to tree trunks. The Virginia Department of Forestry estimates that 50-75 percent of the trees have changed. Check out the views along the Skyline Drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and from the top of Shenandoah Mountain to the west.

HumpBack Rocks

Many artisans live and work in Staunton, and many allow you into their creative spaces where you can actually see them honing their skills and creating beautiful things with their hands. After watching them create, you might feel inspired or feel a deep connection to their work. Fortunately, you can purchase their handmade wares to … Continue reading You Made That? Staunton’s Impressive Arts and Crafts Scene

Many artisans live and work in Staunton, and many allow you into their creative spaces where you can actually see them honing their skills and creating beautiful things with their hands. After watching them create, you might feel inspired or feel a deep connection to their work. Fortunately, you can purchase their handmade wares to wear, for the home, or as gifts for the special people in your life. Read below for the best of Staunton’s arts and crafts scene.

Sunspots Studios & Glassblowing | 202 S. Lewis Street

One of Staunton’s most interesting tourist attractions is Sunspots Studios & Glassblowing, owned by Doug and Caroline Sheridan. You can wander the gallery and select unique and beautiful art glass in the forms of ornaments, vases, jewelry, and even wizard wands to purchase. Visitors are welcome to visit the studio and watch Sunspots staff demonstrating fascinating techniques and creating unique pieces. Would-be artisans can even attempt to blow their own ornaments with guidance from Sunspots staff, of course. Admire the work of additional artists in May when Sunspots hosts the Virginia Hot Glass Festival. Sunspots is open Monday through Saturday from 10 to 6 and Sunday from 11:30 to 5.

Rachel’s Quilt Patch | 40 Middlebrook Avenue

Three generations of quilters are ready to help you with your project at Rachel’s Quilt Patch. Rachel Brown and her daughter, Kay, are avid quilters and work the fabric shop together, along with granddaughter, Emma Rose, who helps out after school. Rachel’s Quilt Patch sells quilting supplies and notions and gift items like soaps. The store offers regular classes for both beginners and experienced quilters. You can also join clubs and “sew-ins.” Quilters can get assistance with fabric options, stitching, quilt preservation, and even service for sewing machines. Store hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, or by appointment Thursday evenings.

Artful Gifts | 6 Byers Street

For wearable art that is organic and sustainable, make sure you visit Artful Gifts, where fiber artist Lisa Jacenich creates hand-felted clothing out of wool, silk, and other natural materials. You can buy unique and intriguing coats, hats, dresses, blouses, and shawls. You will also find scarves and mittens coaxed out of re-purposed wool sweaters. If you’re looking for an accessory, check out Lisa’s husband Jim’s kumihimo (Japanese braiding), which he uses to create jewelry and belts. The Jaceniches also offer a variety of individual and group workshops, so you can learn some of their techniques to try on your own.

Concepts Created | 515 Middlebrook Avenue

Bryan Black, designer and owner of Concepts Created, has been constructing custom furniture out of reclaimed wood and other materials since 2007. Each piece is created after a detailed consultation with the customer. Skilled handcrafting and attention to detail produce unique pieces that have both beauty and history. Stop by the workshop on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-2 to meet Bryan, check out inventory furniture on sale, and view artwork by other local artists.

Appalachian Piecework | 38 Middlebrook Avenue

Laurie Gundersen is a “utilitarian folk artist” and the driving force behind Appalachian Piecework. Her talents include basket weaving, fabric dying, quilting, and spinning. From her 18th century barn loom she crafts handwoven market bags. From locally-harvested trees she weaves a variety of baskets. Not even the bark is wasted. Appalachian Piecework also offers handcrafted products by like-minded artisans. Stop by to shop Thursday through Saturday from 11 to 6. Restoration requests and custom orders are welcome.

The Potter’s Daughter Studio | 13 W Beverley Street

Jessie Taylor’s The Potter’s Daughter Studio is home to both a pottery studio and a massage therapy practice. Jessie’s pottery is designed to reflect the natural world and her unique artistic expression and is fired in wood or gas kilns.

Cherish Every Moment | 13 East Beverley Street

There’s a little bit of everything and Cherish Every Moment, and most of it is handmade or upcycled. Shop for gifts like one-of-a-kind jewelry as well as lighting and home decor. Cherish Every Moment also assists with interior design and can create made-to-order upcycled furniture and wall decorations. Open Tuesday – Sunday, 11-5.

Bonfire Begonia

Staunton’s Susan Weeks has been designing unique jewelry for 25 years. You can find it in her new storefront, Bonfire Begonia, along with all kinds of other beautiful and eclectic items like paintings, paper mâché, furniture, and work by other artists. You can even sign up for crafting classes. Another great way to appreciate Susan’s jewelry is to subscribe to her take on the gift box trend. Instead of getting mass-produced impersonal products, subscribers will get a one-of-a-kind necklace made from vintage and found materials each month. Each piece is shipped with a handmade greeting card so it can be easily gifted.

Galleries and Fine Art

For fine art like paintings, drawings, sculpture, and juried handcrafts, visit our Art Gallery page. The galleries in downtown are a treat for the eyes and feature work by a number of talented local artists.

Art for Gifts | 20 S. New Street

Stop by the Staunton Augusta Art Center’s annual Art for Gifts sale and exhibition from November 9 – December 30. You’ll discover original, juried fine art and crafts by 60 artists in this holiday shopping boutique. Open Monday-Saturday 10-6, and Sunday 1-4. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

You won’t need to look hard to see autumnal colors this weekend as you move around Staunton. Though our fall foliage display isn’t yet as vibrant as in years past, it’s starting to really feel like fall, and you’ll still find some beautiful backgrounds for your seasonal photos. Check here every week for our updated … Continue reading Staunton’s Fall Foliage Report: Weekend of October 26-28

You won’t need to look hard to see autumnal colors this weekend as you move around Staunton. Though our fall foliage display isn’t yet as vibrant as in years past, it’s starting to really feel like fall, and you’ll still find some beautiful backgrounds for your seasonal photos. Check here every week for our updated fall foliage report.

Gypsy Hill Park

Beyond Staunton

Interestingly, according to the Virginia Department of Forestry, “individual trees planted in urban and suburban landscapes often color earlier than those in the forest.” So, while elevation impacts temperature, which can affect color, you’re likely to see pops of color in town before widespread changes in the mountains. The fall foliage changes are coming, though, so get out on the trail and be the first to spot them!

HumpBack Rocks

Situated at the intersection of interstates 81 and 64, Staunton always offers easy access. However, autumn days are perfect for more scenic drives, full of fall colors and vibrant culture. If you’re looking to take in all the Valley has to offer, check out one of these more leisurely alternatives. If You’re Coming from the … Continue reading Scenic Drives to Staunton

Situated at the intersection of interstates 81 and 64, Staunton always offers easy access. However, autumn days are perfect for more scenic drives, full of fall colors and vibrant culture. If you’re looking to take in all the Valley has to offer, check out one of these more leisurely alternatives.

If You’re Coming from the North, Try These Alternatives to I-81

Skyline Drive (Fees apply)

Travelers visiting from Northern Virginia and all points north can travel through the Valley looking up at the Blue Ridge Mountains or along the ridge itself. Enjoy a leisurely ride (the maximum speed limit is 35 m.p.h.) along the Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park for some of the most stunning views on the East Coast. Feeling hungry? The Skyline Drive offers wayside food stops every 25 miles. Access Skyline Drive from Front Royal, Thornton Gap, or Swift Run Gap. Exit at Rockfish Gap. to descend into Staunton. Pick up Route 250 to wind your way through Waynesboro and Fishersville before reaching the Queen City.

Route 11

If you want a route that allows you to admire the mountains from below and explore the unique history and culture of the Shenandoah Valley, try Route 11, originally part of a colonial trail that parallels 1-81. This road stretches from New York to Louisiana! In the section north of Staunton, you’ll explore Strasburg, Mt. Jackson, New Market, and Harrisonburg.

If You’re Coming from the West

Rt. 250/Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike

From the wild and wonderful state of West Virginia, head east to Staunton, taking in the beautiful views of the Monongahela National Forest as you ride along the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike. When you enter Virginia, you’re treated to sweet switchbacks and turns. Perhaps a motorcycle is the most thrilling mode of transportation for this fun scenic drive.

Points of Interest Along the Way:

Monterey is the home of the Highland Maple Festival. Enjoy the color show those maple trees put on in the autumn and don’t forget to grab a bottle of syrup!

Route 220

Driving through the beautiful mountains of western Virginia via Route 220 satisfies the soul on many levels, but when such a drive includes beautiful points of interest, well, you may want to take it again and again and again.

Points of Interest Along the Way:

Falling Springs waterfall is an 80′ cascade that can be seen from the road.

If You’re Coming from the East, Try This Alternative to I-64

Route 250/Richmond Road

While I-64 is the straightest route to Staunton from Richmond and points beyond, it travels through mainly forested land that borders the highway and limits the sight lines. Route 250 is a more leisurely route that will take you through the town centers of Charlottesville, Ivy, Crozet, and Waynesboro, but will also give you access to more unique scenery.

Points of Interest Along the Way:

Hike or ride your bike along the Saunders-Monticello Trail, which winds through Kemper Park and connects Monticello with the local community south of Charlottesville. The arboretum of native trees and shrubs is a prime spot for leaf peeping.

Tour family-owned King Family Vineyards in Crozet for some show-stopping wine and views of the mountains.

Chiles Peach Orchard has apples and pumpkins to buy or pick in the autumn. You can also visit the tasting room to sample Bold Rock Cider or Prince Michel wines, both made with fruit grown on the orchard.

Visitors are welcome at the Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch on Afton Mountain, where, in the fall, several hundred migrating raptors can be seen every day.

If You’re Coming from the South, Try These Alternatives to I-81

Route 11

The stretch of Route 11 that meanders through the Valley south of Staunton is full of natural beauty and opportunities to explore several picturesque small towns. You’ll drive through Roanoke, Natural Bridge, and Lexington. The Blue Ridge will parallel you on the right and the Allegheny Mountains can be viewed on the left.

Points of Interest Along the Way:

Hike Bottom Creek Gorge in Shawsville. This 3.7-mile hike features a number of small waterfalls as well as an old cemetery and the remnants of historic buildings.

For some leg stretching and a fantastic view of downtown Roanoke, climb to the Mill Mountain Star, which is “the largest free-standing, man-made, illuminated star in the world”!

Natural Bridge was formed by a collapsing cavern and owned by Thomas Jefferson. It’s now a state park with trails, caverns and a wax museum nearby.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkways winds through North Carolina and Virginia. Download the Blue Ridge Pkwy Travel Planner app for lots of offline information about overlooks and trailheads. At the Parkway’s northern terminus, pick up Route 250 to head west toward Staunton.

Visit the tasting room at family-friendly Peaks of Otter Winery for some wine and gifts. The kids will enjoy exploring the farm and meeting the animals.

Crabtree Falls is on Route 56 in Tyro, just below the parkway. You can climb along the falls all they way to the top, or simply follow the paved trail to the lower falls if you don’t have time to hike farther up.

Humpback Rocks is a short, steep hike to a rock outcropping that offers amazing views of the Blue Ridge Valley. An interpretive farm at the trailhead offers area history.

Staunton’s Fall Foliage Report: weekend of October 19-21 Virginia’s trees are still pretty green, but here’s hoping this week’s cooler weather will bring on some eagerly anticipated colors. According to Smoky Mountain National Park’s Fall Foliage Prediction Map, we should look for the leaves to peak over the next two weekends. Check here every week for … Continue reading Staunton’s Fall Foliage Report: Weekend of October 19-21

Staunton’s Fall Foliage Report:

weekend of October 19-21

Virginia’s trees are still pretty green, but here’s hoping this week’s cooler weather will bring on some eagerly anticipated colors. According to Smoky Mountain National Park’s Fall Foliage Prediction Map, we should look for the leaves to peak over the next two weekends. Check here every week for our updated fall foliage report.

Gypsy Hill Park

Beyond Staunton

Bundle up when you set out on the trail this weekend. Those exposed higher elevations can be downright blustery. The cold, the shorter days, and the breakdown of chlorophyll should allow some yellow and orange to shine through – if the leaves don’t fall off the trees first. According to the Virginia Department of Forestry, the warm weather until now has limited the production of red pigments. “25-30% of the trees have changed color, but red colors are still lacking in most spots.” See the full report here.

HumpBack Rocks

Staunton’s Fall Foliage Report: weekend of October 12-14 We’re a week into October – normally prime leaf peeping season – and Staunton’s trees are still mainly wearing their summer colors. Some leaves have fallen, giving kids opportunities to play, but you’ll need to wait a bit longer for those iconic autumnal photos. Check here every … Continue reading Staunton’s Fall Foliage Report

Staunton’s Fall Foliage Report:

weekend of October 12-14

We’re a week into October – normally prime leaf peeping season – and Staunton’s trees are still mainly wearing their summer colors. Some leaves have fallen, giving kids opportunities to play, but you’ll need to wait a bit longer for those iconic autumnal photos. Check here every week for our updated fall foliage report.

Gypsy Hill Park

Beyond Staunton

It’s been great weather for getting outside and hiking, but even at higher elevations along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the views are deeply green. The Virginia Department of Forestry attributes the slower-than-normal changes to the “abundant rain of late summer and fall.” They suggest looking for “early changers like black gum, poison ivy, dogwood, Virginia creeper, and sumacs flashing shades of red along forest edges.” See the full report here.

Humpack Rocks

Looking for a romantic getaway with your significant other? Couples can unwind and reconnect as they explore Staunton’s unique culture. Plan to share romantic meals, be pampered in luxurious lodgings, sightsee along one of America’s best main streets, and even discover the great outdoors. Best of all, we’ve done the planning for you. Leave your … Continue reading 48-Hours of Romance in Staunton

Looking for a romantic getaway with your significant other? Couples can unwind and reconnect as they explore Staunton’s unique culture. Plan to share romantic meals, be pampered in luxurious lodgings, sightsee along one of America’s best main streets, and even discover the great outdoors. Best of all, we’ve done the planning for you. Leave your cares behind as you check out our jam-packed romantic weekend schedule.

Grab a Picnic or Some Takeout and Visit a Winery or Brewery

For one of the best views in Augusta County, take a the scenic drive to Barren Ridge Vineyards for a picnic and some local wine. Reconnect with your sweetie as you sit on the patio and admire the sunset. In-town options include Bedlam Brewing, where you can order a stellar dinner along with your great beer. You won’t be disappointed with the beer-battered fish and chips or one of their gourmet pizzas. Queen City Brewing’s fine tap list is often accompanied by live music and a food truck on Friday nights. It’s also close to Gypsy Hill Park where you can share an after-dinner stroll or feed the ducks together.

Day 2:

Visit a Local Coffee Shop for Some Light Fare

Start your romantic Saturday off right with some light fare at one of Staunton’s coffee shops. Located in downtown Staunton, Réunion Bakery & Espresso offers the caffeine you need to get your day rolling as well as a mouthwatering selection of French-inspired pastries. The shop boasts a charming interior and looks as if it came from a design magazine. Alternately, you might stop in at the By & By, and enjoy espresso drinks, bagels, and grilled sandwiches while checking out the art by local artists adorning the walls. Another good bet is Blue Mountain Coffee, located in the Wharf historic district, which gives you direct access to the Farmers’ Market. Enjoy a wide selection of coffee drinks and light fare such as bagel sandwiches and muffins.

Hit up the Farmers’ Market

Hold hands as you stroll through the Staunton Farmers’ Market and eye the autumn bounty. Surprise your sweetie with a seasonal bouquet, stock up on some snacks for later, or just enjoy Staunton’s welcoming feeling of community.

Explore Our Quaint and Walkable Downtown

Enjoying all that walking and hand holding? Hang onto that feeling by exploring our charming downtown on foot. Take a walking tour with the Historic Staunton Foundation or go mobile and use the Traipse App to customize your own tour with keywords like “shopping,” “history,” or “libations.” Discover more history at the Camera Heritage Museum or the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum. And finally, make sure to check out our wealth of independent shops, galleries, and antique stores. You’ll find a range of wares including gourmet chocolate and olive oil, art-glass ornaments, toy arms and armor, and vintage treasure of all kinds.

Go Global for Lunch

Awaken your taste buds by savoring some global cuisine for lunch. Treat yourself to a scrumptious Indian buffet at Taste of India, where you’ll find a variety of chicken or vegetarian entrees. Alternately, try one of the lunch specials at Chicano Boy Taco. You’ll swoon over the fresh tortillas and you can people watch if you get sick of gazing into each others’ eyes. Check out Staunton’s Global Cuisine for other global favorites.

Dinner and a Show (ASC)

Remember all those movies with romantic meals in Italian restaurants? Channel the romance of the Lady and the Tramp noodle scene when you take your love out to a candlelit dinner at Emilo’s Italian Restaurant. Another good bet is farm-to-table fine-dining favorite, The Shack, where you’ll find inspired and creative meals made using seasonal ingredients. If you’re looking for steak, you might enjoy the Mill Street Grill. Follow your romantic meal with a show at the American Shakespeare Center. The fall season includes comedies As You Like It, Emma, and The Man of Mode. If your relationship can handle backstabbing and a little murder, don’t miss Richard III.

SUNDAY

Exchange Sweet Nothings over a Romantic Brunch

New to the Staunton brunch scene, Zynodoa offers inspired southern cuisine in a stylish, metropolitan setting. Their seasonally-driven menu features delights like baked French toast on local bread topped with bourbon peaches, whipped cream, and toasted pecans. Accompany this feast with a mimosa, Bloody Mary, or a Sunny Sunday. For other brunch ideas, check out Staunton’s Brunch Bunch.

Get Outside Before You Hit the Road

If you want to do something really wholesome (and fun!) that looks great on Instagram, head into the county and visit a pick-your-own farm. The Valley boasts apples, grapes, and pumpkins in the fall. Heading north or south? Detour home along the Skyline Drive or the Blue Ridge Parkway. Both offer spectacular views of fall colors and will give you access to hikes in Shenandoah National Park or George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.

Summer’s heat might have stunted your appetite, but now that temperatures have dropped, it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to eat for the season. From delicious seasonal dishes and recipes, to classes and other fun foodie adventures, Staunton is a cornucopia of fall culinary experiences! Staunton Farmers’ Market The Staunton Farmers’ Market … Continue reading Fall Culinary Experiences

Summer’s heat might have stunted your appetite, but now that temperatures have dropped, it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to eat for the season. From delicious seasonal dishes and recipes, to classes and other fun foodie adventures, Staunton is a cornucopia of fall culinary experiences!

Staunton Farmers’ Market

The Staunton Farmers’ Market is always a gustatory treat, but nothing beats fall for agricultural abundance. Shop for in-season fruits and vegetables like apples, pears, parsnips, rutabagas, turnips, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, squash, and pumpkins, of course! Talk to the farmers about how to prepare your bounty or check out a website like Today.com’s Fall Produce Guide for recipe inspiration. If you can’t wait to get home and make your own parsnip cupcakes, just stay at the market and dig deep into a cone of apple cider donuts and a cup of local cider from Blue Ridge Cider Doughnuts. Or indulge yourself with an apple spice, cocoa heaven, guten tag, or 24-carrot-flavored cupcake from Lydia’s Cupcakes.

Let the Kids Pick

Nothing says wholesome like gathering the family and picking baskets of fruit. Enjoy sunshine, crisp weather, sweet and tart fruit, and bountiful photo opportunities at local pick-your-own farms. Check out Wenger Grape Farms for grapes and information about how grapes are grown. Local apple favorite, Sunrise Orchards, is already out of fruit this year, so if you’re looking for apples, take a scenic drive over Afton Mountain to Chiles Peach Orchard, Carter Mountain Orchard, or Henley’s Orchard.

Fall Treats from Downtown Shops

Check out some rich fall flavors from the Cocoa Mill, which has been using fair-trade chocolate to make gourmet treats since 1993. You won’t want to miss their Rockbridge Vineyard wine truffles or Hub peanut clusters. Another downtown favorite is Staunton Olive Oil, which provides ultra-premium extra virgin olive oils, infused and fused olive oils and balsamic vinegars. Visit the tasting room and try the Neopolitan Herb Dark Balsamic and the Smoked Olive Wood Oil. Wondering what to do with your goodies once you get home? Try an autumnal recipe like butternut squash and red apple pork loin served with cinnamon pear roasted sweet potatoes.

Local Recipe Gold

Have you ever tried a cinnamon pickle? Take a drive to Meadowcroft Farm to gorge yourself on the view and tickle your palate with their many varieties of jams, pickles and relishes. All products are handcrafted without artificial preservatives from fruits and vegetables grown on the farm. Check out their recipe page for ideas on how to eat their products (besides out of the jar with a spoon). And if you want to make apple or pumpkin pies this fall, The Cheese Shop in Stuarts Draft should be a no-brainer. It specializes in bulk items like flours, spices, nuts, snacks, and cheese, all at very reasonable prices. We won’t judge you for the sacks of snacks you buy. Check out their recipe page for ideas using their local cheese.

Dine on the Season

Staunton has so many fine eateries specializing in creative and seasonal farm-to-table fare, it’s difficult to walk downtown without salivating. Feeling like pie? Check out something delicious and unusual, like Concord grape, from Firkin Pie Company, known for both savory and sweet crusted masterpieces. If you’re strolling west along Beverley Street or exploring historic Thornrose Cemetery, visit the Anne Hathaway CottageTea Room for tea and a selection of light meals, including a Victorian high tea. After a morning at the park, try Mike Lund Food & LUNdCH’s stover salad. It includes roast beets, spiced pecans, and shaved fennel and apple, with bleu cheese and an herb vinaigrette. A good bet for dinner is Zynodoa’s local and seasonal Autumn Olive Farm slow-roasted pork. This comfort food feast is served with southern-style cabbage slaw, baked beans, and Highland County maple barbeque. If you’re dining at The Shack, plan to bookend your main course with seasonal treats. Warm up your palate with butternut squash pierogi topped with with soubise, chili, and pecans. Finish with the chocolate cremeux, which includes smoked apple butter, and a peanut & oat streusel.

Classes

Homemade Brie at Creambrook Farm: October 13

Want to spend a cheesy afternoon learning about curds and whey? Sign up for a cheese making class at Creambrook Farm and learn how to make the best, butteriest brie… at home. Sample brie-like cheeses, then learn the chemistry of milk, cream, and the special mold spores that make the magic happen. Veteran cheese maker, Louella Hill, will teach you to ripen, churn, and drain the curds. You’ll take home your cheese and a reusable cheese form so you can create brie any time you want.

Group Cooking Classes at Blue Oregano

Gather your besties, put down your phones, and take a customized cooking class with Blue Oregano Culinary Services in Waynesboro. Enjoy wine and a gourmet dinner that you and your friends prepare under the guidance of an experienced chef. Blue Oregano also offers cooking classes for children ages 10-17.

Happenings

Octoberfest: October 6

Don’t miss Oktoberfest at the Frontier Culture Museum. Kick up your heels to live music, eat traditional food, and drink good beer. Tour the museum to see how past residents of the Valley celebrated their harvests. Interpreters will show you how people prepared food and entertained themselves before Netflix. Make sure to stop at the German farm, relocated from Hordt, Germany, for demonstrations on how they brewed beer in the old days. $12 Admission fee for adult, $7 kids 6+, kids 5 and under and museum pass holders are free.

Moriarty Release: October 8

If you’re looking for another beer-centric celebration check out Moriarty Day at Redbeard Brewing Company. It’s the day they release their latest edition of Moriarty, a barrel-aged Imperial Stout. This year’s pour has been settling in Bourbon barrels from Heaven Hill and Buffalo Trace.

Farm Day at Creambrook Farm: October 20

Just a short drive south of Staunton, Creambrook Farm is home to 100% grass-fed Jersey dairy cows, and you can meet them at Farm Day and learn about the production of milk and other dairy products. Enjoy other family activities like petting calves, touring the farm on a hayride, tasting fresh milk, or eating a picnic. Food will be available for purchase. $10 Admission fee for persons over 5.

Celebrate Staunton Pride October 5-7 October is LGBTQ history month, and local nonprofit LGBTQ Tech is producing the first annual Staunton Pride Festival celebrating the LGBTQIA2+ community and its allies. Staunton Pride’s goal is to “support all members of our community in order to increase acceptance and inclusivity in the Shenandoah Valley.” Friday Night Kickoff All are … Continue reading Staunton Pride Festival

Celebrate Staunton Pride October 5-7

October is LGBTQ history month, and local nonprofit LGBTQ Tech is producing the first annual Staunton Pride Festival celebrating the LGBTQIA2+ community and its allies. Staunton Pride’s goal is to “support all members of our community in order to increase acceptance and inclusivity in the Shenandoah Valley.”

Saturday Dancing in the Streets

Get ready to party on Saturday, October 6th at the street festival on Beverley Street from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm. Highlights will include food, vendors, a local beer & cider garden (opening at 11:00 am,) a music stage, and a show headlined by Virginia native and indie-pop sensation, Catey Shaw, known for her songs “Brooklyn Girls” and “The Ransom.” Plan to dance in the street: The Johnny Clark Set, The Sugar Jackets, The Crowles, Drägön Wägön, and DJ Jason round out the lineup.

A Service for Everyone

Staunton Pride will have a special Pride Eucharist worship service led by Reverend Marion Kanour on Saturday, October 6th from 7-8:30 PM. All are welcome as Emmanuel Episcopal Church hosts the service in collaboration with clergy from Grace Episcopal Church, Massie’s Mill, Trinity Episcopal Church, Staunton Virginia, and Stuart Hall School.

Fall is coming and there’s no better way to welcome the (almost) sweater weather than by traveling to Staunton to enjoy farms, fall foliage, and festivals! A trip to the Queen City will give you the opportunity to harvest and taste some of our local food, photograph our views, and celebrate our culture. Farms Farms … Continue reading Staunton’s Farms, Fall Foliage, and Festivals

Fall is coming and there’s no better way to welcome the (almost) sweater weather than by traveling to Staunton to enjoy farms, fall foliage, and festivals! A trip to the Queen City will give you the opportunity to harvest and taste some of our local food, photograph our views, and celebrate our culture.

Farms

Farms and Farmers’ Markets

Take a drive out to Polyface Farms to see a national leader in best-practices farming. You can take tours of the farm and buy pasture-raised, hormone/antibiotic-free chicken, beef, pork, and eggs at the farm store.

Meadowcroft Farms and the Inn at Meadowcroft. Sample some of the 68 different kinds of pickles, relishes, jams, salsas and spreads at the farm store. If you’re looking for a unique and special place to stay, try the inn, which is a situated in a historic (and modernized) log cabin that is over 200 years old.

Pick Your Own

Pick your own wildflowers and herbs at Pebble Hall Wildflowers and Herbs from May to October. Use them fresh for floral displays or culinary pursuits or dry them to use them later. The farm offers beautiful photo opportunities as well as onsite massage and lodging.

Are you looking for a great deal on pick-your-own pumpkins and gourds? Middle River Farms offers pricing by wagon load. The farm also sells locally grown produce, eggs, cheese, and fall decor.

Another great spot to search for the great pumpkin is Mulberry Hills Farm. Visitors can expect a seasonal pumpkin patch (with a wide variety of pumpkins, gourds, squash, and other decorative items). The farm also sets up seasonal backdrops for your family photos and the kids can pet friendly farm animals.

You only need to drive a few miles south of Staunton to get to Sunrise Orchards, a small operation that offers a welcome change from crowded apple orchards. You can pick your own red delicious, yellow delicious and Jonathan apples by the bushel, peck or bag. Plan a picnic to enjoy under the trees with spectacular views of the mountains.

September is grape season, so spend a morning picking Niagara or Concord grapes at Wenger Grape Farm. These grapes can be used for wine, juice or jam, or enjoying by the handful. This beautiful farm offers a wealth of wholesome photo opportunities.

Fall Foliage

You can’t beat the way the Shenandoah Valley dresses up in the autumn. Leaves will be peaking between late September and early November, so plan to take a drive on the Skyline Drive or the Blue Ridge Parkway for some breathtaking displays.

For a more private option, head to the westernmost end of Augusta County and check out the views from the Confederate Breastworks interpretive site at the top of Shenandoah Mountain.

Festivals

Octoberfest

October 6

Octoberfest at the Frontier Culture Museum is a blast. Start the day with Irish Road Bowling and then tour the German farm. Later on, kick up your heels dancing to live music, eating traditional food, and drinking good beer. Tour the museum to see how past residents of the Valley celebrated their harvests. The festival offers fun and activities for the entire family.

Fall Foliage Art Festival

October 13-14

150 fine artists come to downtown Waynesboro, VA for the 46th annual Fall Foliage Art Show. Artist bring paintings, printmaking, sculpture, jewelry, pottery and wood to this outdoor juried show. You can also enjoy delicious food, craft beer, and music. The Street Arts Festival takes place concurrently with Fall Foliage and offers a chance to admire the vibrant works of talented street artists as they make urban spaces their canvas.

Fall Foliage Bike Festival

October 19-21

Now in its 28th year, the Fall Foliage Bike Festival attracts over 750 cyclists from around the mid-Atlantic states for a weekend of riding in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Escape the cities for a quiet weekend and choose from over eleven SAG-supported routes over two days.